As we started hiking on
Blackett's Ridge Trail, we noticed some men were busy working towards the top of the hill. Later, when we caught up with them, they said they were working with the Forest Service. They had to clear the trail of plant materials and rearrange rocks to maintain the path for hiking. It was entertaining for us to watch them use their various, picks, shovels and other tools, and then move along the trail as a team.
What a physically demanding job those workers have! It must require great effort just to carry their heavy tools and equipment up the mountain, even before beginning their assignment. Here they were pausing for a well-deserved break.
Then it was back to work for them. But they did have to stop briefly whenever a hiker passed by. I was impressed with how much they seemed to enjoy their work. Several times they remarked about the views. I guess that's one of the benefits of working outdoors.
We observed them working for several hours, then watched them walk back to their vehicles. One truck had a sign that said "Wildland Fire Crew" and the other one was labeled "State Fire."
Before witnessing the hard labor that goes into maintaining the recreation area, I had taken the manicured trails for granted. I appreciate having neat trails to walk on since I don't want to disturb plants or animal habitats or inadvertently step on a rattlesnake. Our US National Forests are a wonderful resource. Chances are, wherever you live in the world, there is a public natural area nearby that you can visit and enjoy.
As we started hiking on Blackett's Ridge Trail, we noticed some men were busy working towards the top of the hill. Later, when we caught up with them, they said they were working with the Forest Service. They had to clear the trail of plant materials and rearrange rocks to maintain the path for hiking. It was entertaining for us to watch them use their various, picks, shovels and other tools, and then move along the trail as a team.
What a physically demanding job those workers have! It must require great effort just to carry their heavy tools and equipment up the mountain, even before beginning their assignment. Here they were pausing for a well-deserved break.
Then it was back to work for them. But they did have to stop briefly whenever a hiker passed by. I was impressed with how much they seemed to enjoy their work. Several times they remarked about the views. I guess that's one of the benefits of working outdoors.
We observed them working for several hours, then watched them walk back to their vehicles. One truck had a sign that said "Wildland Fire Crew" and the other one was labeled "State Fire."
Before witnessing the hard labor that goes into maintaining the recreation area, I had taken the manicured trails for granted. I appreciate having neat trails to walk on since I don't want to disturb plants or animal habitats or inadvertently step on a rattlesnake. Our US National Forests are a wonderful resource. Chances are, wherever you live in the world, there is a public natural area nearby that you can visit and enjoy.
Hi Diane---We DO take things like this for granted. It does take lots of hard work and sweat to keep our National Park (even our State Parks and Wildlife areas) in good shape. Thank God for people like that who are willing to do some of the hard jobs so that people like me can enjoy them..
ReplyDeleteThanks!!!
Hugs,
Betsy
Here's an interesting synchronicity. Stacey and I are in the process of looking up flights to Tuscon. We were thinking of hiking the Arizona Trail for a month before we head on over to begin hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in California. But Stacey is still not sure if she is ready to hike right now instead of in Late April when we would start the PCT. So it was nice looking at all of your great photos of a place we were considering exploring for a good chunk of time. You have a great site here showing the beauty of your Neck of the Cactii.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post! It never crossed my mind that someone is maintaining those paths.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this reminder. I know I'm one of those people who tend to take the trails for granted, like the just spring up all by themselves.
ReplyDeleteI always leave a trail the way I found it, bit from now on, I'll make sure to appreciate the work that went to creating, plus the continuing work to maintain the trails.
This was very enjoyable Diane, thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard work but harder still is the work they do in the summer fighting wildfires. They work long hours in the heat and smoke. I don't know how they do it but I'm grateful.
ReplyDeleteTerrific series of captures showing the fine work.
ReplyDeleteNice tribute to those that keep trails open and usable. The views are incredible. In several of the photos the workers look like orange flowers among the towering cactus.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post- did the workers know you were going to make them famous in the blog world!
ReplyDelete@Dee Ha ha, I didn't mention my blog. They probably thought we were just a couple of camera-happy retirees or tourists.
ReplyDeleteA well documented journey of these workers with amazing photos!
ReplyDelete